Eminent Bangladeshi artist and cultural figure Mustafa Monwar has died in Dhaka at the age of 90 after suffering from age-related health complications, his family has confirmed.
Monwar passed away at around 8:30 am on Monday while receiving treatment at a hospital in the capital. He had been experiencing a range of health problems associated with old age for several years.
In a message of condolence, Bangla Academy Director General Professor Mohammad Azam described Monwar as one of Bangladesh’s most distinguished cultural personalities and an honorary fellow of the academy.
He said the artist’s contribution to the country’s creative and media landscape, particularly through Bangladesh Television (BTV), would be remembered for generations. He also expressed sympathy to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul.
Widely known as the “Puppet Man of Bangladesh”, Mustafa Monwar played a pioneering role in popularising puppetry as a powerful medium for education and entertainment.
During Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971, he organised puppet performances in refugee camps across West Bengal, using storytelling to raise awareness about the struggle for independence.
His best-known television production, Moner Kotha, was broadcast on Bangladesh Television for 12 years and became a cherished part of many childhoods.
The programme drew inspiration from the traditional folk tale Saat Bhai Champa, following the story of a young girl named Parul and her seven brothers who were transformed into flowers by a curse.
Born on 1 September 1935 in Jashore, Mustafa Monwar was the youngest of six children. His father was the noted poet Golam Mostafa.
He began his education at Narayanganj Government School before enrolling in the science programme at Scottish Church College in Kolkata.
He later pursued his passion for art at the Government College of Art and Craft in Kolkata, graduating in 1959 with first-class honours in Fine Arts.
Monwar started his professional career as a lecturer at the then East Pakistan College of Arts and Crafts before taking on several senior leadership roles in Bangladesh’s cultural institutions.
Throughout his distinguished career, he served as director general of Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and the National Institute of Mass Communication.
He also worked as managing director of the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (FDC) and was the founding president of the Directors Guild Bangladesh.
His achievements were recognised with numerous honours, including the All India Fine Arts Competition award, the Zainul Abedin Gold Medal and the Ekushey Padak, Bangladesh’s second-highest civilian award, which he received in 2004.
Through his work in fine arts, television, puppetry and cultural development, Mustafa Monwar helped shape the country’s artistic identity. His creative vision inspired generations of children and artists alike, leaving a lasting mark on Bangladesh’s cultural heritage.
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